Name:
Morgan White
What year(s) did you march in the Blue Knights?
2006, 2007, 2008, then I went on tour as a volunteer working the food truck in 2009
What section?
Soprano
Where did you attend high school?
Centennial High School , Bakersfield California and Douglas County High School, Castle Rock Colorado
Education beyond high school?
Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics from University of Northern Colorado, Master’s of Science in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University, Associates of Applied Science in Culinary Arts from Houston Community College
What is your current occupation?
Clinical Dietitian specializing in weight management and health promotion/disease prevent at the Michael E.DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston Texas
Why did you choose to march with the Blue Knights?
I was lucky enough to attend Finals in 2004 and saw the Blue Knights perform for the first time. After that show I knew I had to audition. Ever since learning about drum corps my freshmen year of marching band I knew I wanted be involved. All of our techs had marched Santa Clara Vanguard so naturally they we’re my first choice. However, after hearing the signature Blue Knights “dark sound” and seeing their commitment to artistry, I had a change of heart and knew that’s where I belonged.
What is your favorite drum corps memory?
It’s hard to choose there are so many! Something that always stuck with me is I always fell out of running block, everyday. I was never a great runner and running in a group caused me extreme anxiety which in turn made running block even harder. Even though I struggled and I was humilated, most of time sobbing as I watch the block get further and further ahead, a fellow Blue Knight always had my back, literally running (or shuffling in my case) behind me, encourage me to press on. To find such support is rare and I truly cherished it.
How have the Blue Knights impacted your life?
Becoming a Blue Knight was a dream come true, it showed me my dreams didn’t have to stay dreams, it gave the confidence to make my dreams realities. I never would have had the tenacity to complete a very competitive dietetic internship to become a dietitian, completed my Master’s thesis, attended culinary school, become a yoga teacher, or start my own business if it weren’t for first becoming a Blue Knight.
What are some the Blue Knights’ core values/principles that have resonated with you in life?
“Thank you, you have a very nice drum corps.” This showed me that despite being competitive with others, being respectful should never be taken for granted. Blue Knights showed me to show up 100%, prepared, yet ready to “adapt and overcome” in every kind of situation.
What advice would you tell someone considering trying out for the Blue Knights?
Do it! If you are intimidated, don’t second guess yourself. Even if you don’t make the cut your first try you will learn and grow from the experience.
How would you like to see other Blue Knight alumni get involved in the organization?
I was really disappointed I wasn’t able to participate in the Alumni Corps this past summer (I was 9 months pregnant). I think this is a great way to bring Blue Knights past and present together. I would love to see more involvement from non-local alumni like myself, volunteering or attending shows when/if the corp rolls through. Houston/Texas area alumni, let’s get together and support our Blue Knights family!
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